Defoe: I can replace Rooney

18 October 2011 09:48

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe believes he can replace the banned Wayne Rooney in the England team for their Euro 2012 group games.

With Rooney ruled out of the first three matches of the championships, Defoe insists he can supply the goals.

Defoe averages a goal every three games for England, and he showed his predatory insticts with a fine goal against Newcastle on Sunday.

"When I'm fit and sharp and in the form I'm in now I can score at that level. My England record is good and I was disappointed not to be in the squad for the Montenegro game," he told The Sun.

"It makes you more hungry. The manager knows what I can do, especially playing at the World Cup and having the experience so I look forward to seeing what happens.

"But I'll do whatever it takes to get on the plane, like I did last time. I feel sharp and I work hard in the gym to make sure I'm firing on all cylinders. I feel completely different compared to last season."